Dust Mask for your Urban Survival Bag

In the years following 9/11 there were, and still are, thousands of emergency workers getting horrible respiratory diseases and cancer from breathing the dust left after the towers collapsed.

You might not be working in a emergency zone for weeks after the SHTF, but there will be things in the air you don’t want to be breathing. Here are a couple different kinds of dusk masks you can use for Urban Survival, or your Get Home Bag.

Going to a doctor for a respiratory illness after total collapse obviously isn’t going to happen, and even in a regional scenario, once you get out you can’t undo damage to your lungs.

Basic

The most basic breathing and dust masks just insulate your breathing from the outside air to catch the largest particles. You can easily carry a pack of these to distribute to your group, or others around you. You also will not stand out from the crowd because many people, especially rescue workers, will be wearing them. Forge Survival Supply now carries several models of masks that you can keep in your car, work bag, or at home. (Click here)

Respirator

The respirator can obviously filter more than the basic dust mask and really covers the main things you are looking to avoid in this type of situation including lead, asbestos, toxic dusts, fiberglass, ammonia, formaldehyde, or certain acid gases. There are a few disadvantages, not the least of which is that you will really stand out in a crowd. OSHA and NIOSH approved.

Advantages:

Much more effective

Longer Use

Disadvantages:

More Expensive

Heavier

Not subtle

Warning

It should go without saying that neither of these options will do anything for you in the event of a serious chemical or gas emergency scenario. They are for protecting your lungs as much as possible from dust and debris.